President Obama has paid glowing tribute to Kenyans for endorsing the new constitution in a letter to President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga which could signal a strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.

The American President described the successful referendum as “a proud moment in Kenya’s history” and said he hoped it would help strengthen democratic institutions and boost reconciliation efforts.

He urged the President and Prime Minister to work together in the process of implementation, saying the US would be a “committed friend and partner in this effort”.

President Obama’s letter is the latest sign that the relationship between Kenya and major Western powers, which was tense following the botched 2007 General Election, could be about to improve significantly.

The August 4 referendum, which saw voters overwhelmingly endorse the ne